New Delhi on Wednesday declared an end to the search and rescue phase of its tsunami disaster operation having accounted for 98 per cent of all probable Indian survivors. "We are now moving into phase two of our operations where the accent will be on restoring normal life," said Shyam Saran, India's foreign secretary.

Senior officials also strongly rejected criticisms that India's refusal to accept foreign aid had hindered relief to its own victims. Foreign aid officials have expressed mounting frustration with New Delhi's refusal to accept offers of help in a disaster that has cost 10,000 Indian lives.